Re: Hello Out There

While it is true that undocumented data can sometimes be helpful in putting someone on the trail of their ancestors, the sources for the data should always be cited. Then, a researcher can assess the degree of authenticity of the data.

The various charts posted on GenForum in the past by Kathy Johnstad Whitsett indeed gave many their first clue to their lineage. Availability of the email addresses of the contributors to GenForum permitted one to request the sources of the posted data, and Kathy was most cooperative in this regard. Also, a number of users of the forum provided verification of a lot of her data. A lot of her data were wrong however, andwithout documentation her charts or the charts of anyone else should be regarded as speculative. DNA tests of some individuals in her charts indicate that some of her charts have major errors.

A major benefit of GenForum is the opportunity it provides researchers to try out hypotheses on others, to discuss speculations, and to exchange ideas about where and how to obtain documentation. I hope that more researchers will participate actively in the Whitsett Family Forum so that the forum can fulfill its mission.